Arctic/Common Tern in Namibia

[NamBird]

Hi everyone,

Walvis Bay, Namibia: Last Week

I don't have much experience with Palearctic terns, but hopefully someone on this forum can help. I think this bird is an Arctic Tern (Common Tern being the only other viable option) due to the white rump and underwing pattern. They are in range in Walvis Bay, but rare (probably under-reported as Common Terns) so I'd like to get some opinions before posting it to eBird

many thanks!

[Quiscalus quiscula]

Anybody?? I think this looks more like Common though.

[Trevor L.]

I can’t justify it, but it looks better for Common. I think the best option here is to mark it as ‘tern sp.’

[Nivalis]

Agree with 'tern sp.' 

Pretty sure it is not an Arctic though because this bird appears to have an all black cap (running from the back of the head to around the base of the bill) as well as a black beak which would rule out an Arctic (breeding adults have red beaks and non-breeding adults have about half a cap).

[Quiscalus quiscula]

8 minutes ago, Nivalis said:

Agree with 'tern sp.' 

Pretty sure it is not an Arctic though because this bird appears to have an all black cap (running from the back of the head to around the base of the bill) as well as a black beak which would rule out an Arctic (breeding adults have red beaks and non-breeding adults have about half a cap).

Yes, good evaluation.